Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

1997 Honda Civic EX Coupe (stock). Automatic. 150K miles.

I intend to build a trunk floor/spare tire cover similar to this: http://www.7thgenhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18704 or this one on CF from diskreet (OP): https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...pare-tire.html (great post) . My car's trunk currently has leaks: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/2...runk-leak.html I ordered a new seal but, skeptical it will fix the issue on the passenger side drain channel. Bought a tube of 3M Flexclear 08405 seam sealer that should fix the driver side drain channel. I intend to fix all trunk leaks but, with the age of car, possible future leaks and moisture are always a concern . With that in mind my strategy is to make the trunk floor cover as water resistant as possible.

Some differences between the linked posts and mine will be: Mine will not have an amp or sub-woofer, simple floor cover only. No use of metal (hinges,latches, staple) to avoid rust and keep the top side smooth. Need opinions for the following please:

1) Should I use MDF board or 3/8" plywood (smooth/sanded on both sides) ?
**** I am leaning towards plywood as it's lighter, less thick, less prone to warping in humidity and if roll-on coatings are used they will embed and adhere to plywood much better than MDF .http://www.diffen.com/difference/MDF_vs_Plywood

2) Carpeting vs other types of materials on floor cover :
a) the stock trunk carpet: is in good shape but, soaks absorbs water and stays wet for a while, slowly releasing moisture while drying out. Susceptible to mold and mildew. If I go this route..will glue down (3M Super 777 adhesive).

b) fiberglass,bondo and gelcoat: best option for water-proofing but. most labor intensive, fairly expensive and adds weight.

c) Herculiner: site states can use on bare wood. I could use this on the entire trunk as well but, concerned about flaking. Fairly expensive, semi-rough surface, somewhat labor intensive.. light sand, clean with acetone, paint two coats.

d) peel and stick or sheet vinyl floor tiles (don't laugh..lol). Inexpensive, mildly labor intensive: latex primer, cuts need with utility knife, weighted roller to apply. Sevral patterns to choose from.. thinking faux wood: http://cf.ltkcdn.net/homeimprovement...565-Vinyl4.jpg . Unsure about durability and possible lifting in wet and/or humid conditions?

e) porch and floor paint (Behr): leaning towards this option. I have used this on stamped cement pool deck of my prior home and it held up very well for four years in midwest Florida weather before repaint needed. Smooth, durable, inexpensive, very mild labor, assortment of colors.

All opinions, suggestions, comments appreciated. I plan to to either add to this or do a new thread once all planning and materials are in place.

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

No opinions?

You goddamn sons-of-bitches.. everyone has opinions. If, I was a chick with a big rack you'd give me some opinions..fargin bastages..lol

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

my opinion.. well, your first post was lengthy like a chick

j/k

I'd use plywood it's going to hold up a 100 times better to moisture, humidity, swelling, deforming. etc. I do like the boxliner roll on treatment but the only problem with it is whatever you have in your trunk will slide around very easily unless it's secured. Personally for what you've described I would go for something like a spray on tar with an astro turf type covering over top.

a more expensive outside the box thought would be Lexan for a cover..but again stuff is just going to slide around on it.

and as far as the subwoofer and amp in the original link.... your practically begging people to steal it.

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

You have a good point about the roll on liner being slippery. I also like your suggestion for astro turf . Not sure if a tar based spray would cause a long term stench or not?
Th stock carpet is slippery as well.

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

I've used a fair bit of spray on tar. If you can get over the evironmental disaster aspects of it then it will work well for your purpose and not leave long term odour. Rubberized spray on undercoating is probably an even better.

yeah I have the original interior in my 99 but I did a roll on boxliner in my old Toyota box and it was as slippery as ice.

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

Fix your water leak before you put a bunch of electronics in your trunk, then you won't have to worry about water damage.

Use carpet stuck to wood and use the hook side of velcro tape, stick it to itself in 2 long strips and place between your carpet and box carpet, so your box won't slide.

I just bolted my box to the floor, it doesn't move at all lol

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

Not installing a power amp in my car. Thanks for the velcro idea.
I'm going to try to solve the leak tomorrow. I purchased a trunk seal and will be adhering it with 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive (black). Also purchased 3M clear seam sealer for the metal drip drain channel seems. If those don''t fix the leak then the rear glass will need to be removed and see if there's any rust or just the urethane seal that has failed.

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

It would look nice to lay down some wood like Dean did:

Attachment 90591


Attachment 90592

Re: Trunk Floor/Spare Tire Cover: Need Opinions Please
 

Does this look familiar?: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded...6155/204642977